US20210336373A1 - Plug connector module for electrical contacts in the vehicle sector and method for connecting at least two contact elements to a plug connector module - Google Patents
Plug connector module for electrical contacts in the vehicle sector and method for connecting at least two contact elements to a plug connector module Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20210336373A1 US20210336373A1 US17/235,961 US202117235961A US2021336373A1 US 20210336373 A1 US20210336373 A1 US 20210336373A1 US 202117235961 A US202117235961 A US 202117235961A US 2021336373 A1 US2021336373 A1 US 2021336373A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- contact
- positioning
- plug
- connector module
- contact elements
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Granted
Links
Images
Classifications
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
- H01R13/00—Details of coupling devices of the kinds covered by groups H01R12/70 or H01R24/00 - H01R33/00
- H01R13/46—Bases; Cases
- H01R13/516—Means for holding or embracing insulating body, e.g. casing, hoods
- H01R13/518—Means for holding or embracing insulating body, e.g. casing, hoods for holding or embracing several coupling parts, e.g. frames
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
- H01R13/00—Details of coupling devices of the kinds covered by groups H01R12/70 or H01R24/00 - H01R33/00
- H01R13/46—Bases; Cases
- H01R13/514—Bases; Cases composed as a modular blocks or assembly, i.e. composed of co-operating parts provided with contact members or holding contact members between them
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
- H01R12/00—Structural associations of a plurality of mutually-insulated electrical connecting elements, specially adapted for printed circuits, e.g. printed circuit boards [PCB], flat or ribbon cables, or like generally planar structures, e.g. terminal strips, terminal blocks; Coupling devices specially adapted for printed circuits, flat or ribbon cables, or like generally planar structures; Terminals specially adapted for contact with, or insertion into, printed circuits, flat or ribbon cables, or like generally planar structures
- H01R12/70—Coupling devices
- H01R12/71—Coupling devices for rigid printing circuits or like structures
- H01R12/72—Coupling devices for rigid printing circuits or like structures coupling with the edge of the rigid printed circuits or like structures
- H01R12/722—Coupling devices for rigid printing circuits or like structures coupling with the edge of the rigid printed circuits or like structures coupling devices mounted on the edge of the printed circuits
- H01R12/724—Coupling devices for rigid printing circuits or like structures coupling with the edge of the rigid printed circuits or like structures coupling devices mounted on the edge of the printed circuits containing contact members forming a right angle
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
- H01R13/00—Details of coupling devices of the kinds covered by groups H01R12/70 or H01R24/00 - H01R33/00
- H01R13/02—Contact members
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
- H01R43/00—Apparatus or processes specially adapted for manufacturing, assembling, maintaining, or repairing of line connectors or current collectors or for joining electric conductors
- H01R43/20—Apparatus or processes specially adapted for manufacturing, assembling, maintaining, or repairing of line connectors or current collectors or for joining electric conductors for assembling or disassembling contact members with insulating base, case or sleeve
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
- H01R2201/00—Connectors or connections adapted for particular applications
- H01R2201/26—Connectors or connections adapted for particular applications for vehicles
Definitions
- the present disclosure relates to a plug connector module for electrical contacts in the vehicle sector.
- the present disclosure further relates to a method for connecting at least two contact elements to a plug connector module.
- Plug connectors are usually used in the vehicle sector for separating and connecting electrical lines.
- the plug connectors have contact openings for the receiving of electrical contacts of the electrical lines.
- a plurality of plug connectors are typically needed in vehicles, so it is common to use modular plug connectors.
- modular plug connectors feature a plurality of contact inserts or contact elements having contact openings for receiving electrical contacts that are usually disposed with respect to one another using retaining frames or housings.
- a retaining frame for retaining plug connector modules is known from DE 10 2015 222 561 A1, wherein the plug connector modules are usable in the retainer frame.
- plug-module retaining devices on the plug-connector modules interact with retaining frame devices provided on opposing side parts of the retaining frame.
- a disadvantage of such modular concepts including retaining frames or housings is that a suitable recess must be provided for the contact inserts. This means that it must be specified in advance how many contact inserts are to be used in the retaining frames or the housing. An arbitrary positioning of the contact inserts is therefore not possible. This also means that for representing an arbitrary combination of contact inserts, an indefinite number of different housings or retaining frames is required.
- the contact inserts are usually directly connected to one another.
- the contact inserts feature connecting elements that are complementary to one another, such as, for example, grooves and springs, by which the contact inserts can be connected to one another.
- the mechanical stability is greatly impaired, in particular if a plurality of contact inserts are to be connected.
- the individual contact inserts must be manufactured in an expensive manner since they each must include at least two of the complementary connecting elements.
- the present disclosure provides a plug-connector module, in particular for electrical contacts in the vehicle sector, that can be used in a flexible manner is characterized by high mechanical stability, and is simultaneously economical to manufacture.
- the present disclosure includes a plug-connector module for electrical contacts in the vehicle sector, wherein the plug-connector module features the following: at least two contact elements that each feature at least one contact opening for receiving an electrical contact, and each feature at least one first engagement device; and at least one positioning element for connecting the contact elements, wherein for this purpose the positioning element features at least two second engagement devices that are configured complementary to the first engagement devices, wherein each contact element features at least one positioning opening for pushing-through the at least one positioning element.
- Each contact element in one form features a plurality of contact openings for receiving electrical contacts.
- the electrical contacts are attached, for example, to a plug that can be plugged into the contact element.
- the positioning element in one form features a variety of second engagement devices. Furthermore, the plug-connector module features a variety of contact elements.
- the first and second engagement devices can be configured, for example, as latching devices.
- the second engagement devices can be configured as latching lugs, and the first engagement devices can be configured as latching openings, or vice versa.
- each contact element When connecting the contact elements, the positioning element is pushed in the insertion direction by the contact elements.
- each contact element features the at least one positioning opening, through which the positioning element can be pushed.
- Adjacent contact elements are furthermore disposed adjacent to one another such that the positioning openings are aligned flush with one another.
- the positioning opening extends from a first side of the contact element to a second side of the contact element, wherein openings are created on the first side of the contact element and on the second side of the contact element.
- the cross-section of the positioning opening can remain constant through the contact element. It would also be conceivable that the cross-section of the positioning opening in a central region of the contact element differs from the cross-section at the openings. This can be the case, for example, if the contact element between the two openings is configured as hollow.
- the second engagement device engages with the complementarily configured first engagement devices such that the position of the contact elements with respect to the positioning element can be fixed.
- the position of the contact elements with respect to one another can also be fixed.
- the advantage of the present plug-connector module is that the contact elements can be easily fixed with respect to one another without having to use, for example, expensive frames or housings.
- the number and size of the contact elements to be used must be known in advance.
- the plug-connector modules thus cannot be used in a flexible manner.
- the inventive plug-connector module is not limited to a certain size. Rather, it is possible to arrange the required number of contact elements one-behind-the-other and to connect them using the positioning element. The only requirement is that the positioning element is long enough to connect the desired number of contact elements.
- the positioning element can be, for example, a by-the-meter product that is cuttable to the required length and is correspondingly economical. Particularly, the positioning element can be manufactured from metal plate. Furthermore, the manufacturing costs of the plug-connector module are also low since the contact elements can be designed as relatively simple. These only require first engagement devices and at least one positioning opening. In comparison thereto, the contact elements known from the prior art that can be connected to one another are designed as significantly more complex, and therefore are more expensive to manufacture. In addition, the positioning element results in a high mechanical stability of the plug-connector module. This is due in particular to the fact that the positioning element is configured as a continuous element.
- the plug-connector module can be used in a flexible manner, has a high stability and is also economical to manufacture.
- the at least one positioning element features a variety of second engagement devices that are disposed at regular spacings to one another.
- That the second engagement devices are disposed at regular spacings to one another means that the spacing between two adjacent second engagement devices is always the same size.
- each contact element features an extension length in the insertion direction of the positioning element that corresponds to the unit length or an integer multiple of the unit length.
- the simple unit length thus also corresponds to the minimum length of a contact element in the insertion direction of the positioning element. Since the spacing between two adjacent second engagement devices on the positioning element always corresponds exactly to the unit length, it is possible to use contact elements of different sizes, i.e., having different extension lengths. The only restriction here is that the extension length of each contact element must always be an integer multiple of the unit length.
- a particularly advantageous design of the present disclosure provides that the positioning opening is configured as slot-shaped and the at least one positioning element is configured at least substantially as plate-shaped.
- a particularly high mechanical stability is achieved.
- a particularly large contact region is achieved between contact element and positioning element.
- elongated openings are created on the first side and the second side of the contact element.
- the openings are particularly preferably formed substantially from a first edge of the first or second side to an opposing second edge of the first side or second side.
- the elongated openings are particularly configured as parallel to a third edge that connects the first edge to the second edge.
- the contact elements are configured at least substantially as square-shaped and include four outer surfaces and two side surfaces, wherein openings of the positioning opening are formed on the side surfaces, wherein the at least one contact opening is formed on a first outer surface, and wherein the at least one first engagement device is formed on a second outer surface.
- the two side surfaces of the square are the two surfaces of the side that have been referred to up to now as the first and second sides.
- the second outer surface, on which the at least one first engagement device is formed is disposed adjacent to the first outer surface on which the at least one contact opening is formed.
- the contact elements are also particularly well suited to be positioned against one another.
- the shortest contact element i.e., the contact element having an extension length that corresponds to the unit length, is configured as a cube. Then only the larger contact elements would be configured as square-shaped.
- the opening of the positioning opening is respectively disposed near an edge to the second outer surface and extends parallel to the corresponding edge.
- edge corresponds to the edge previously referred to as a third edge.
- a particularly high stability is thereby achieved.
- the positioning element can thus be guided very closely against the surface having the second latching devices.
- a positioning element disposed on the edge of the contact element does not claim any functional installation space that is used for the receiving of the electrical contact.
- the plug-connector module includes two positioning elements, and each contact element includes a positioning opening for each positioning element.
- the positioning elements can be configured as identical to one another, so that identical parts can be used here. As already mentioned, in particular the use of a by-the-meter product is possible.
- the two positioning elements extend parallel to each other through the contact elements.
- the two positioning openings are particularly disposed near two opposing edges of the side surfaces of the contact element.
- a more expedient design provides that the two positioning elements are already connected to each other prior to the inserting into the contact elements.
- the positioning elements thus form a unit.
- the positioning elements are configured as a clasp device.
- the positioning elements can then both be inserted into the contact elements simultaneously in one installation step.
- the two positioning elements extend parallel to each other.
- the contact elements include first engagement devices on two opposing sides or surfaces. Overall, a high stability and a simple installation are thereby combined.
- At least one positioning element extends out of the first and/or the last contact element and includes a fixing device for fixing a plug.
- the front or rear contact element of the mutually positioned contact elements of the plug-connector module is referred to as the first or last contact element, respectively.
- the fixing device for fixing the plug is disposed at the region that extends out of the corresponding contact element.
- the plug is generally the carrier of the electrical contacts that are to be received in the contact openings.
- the positioning element thus fulfills an additional second function, and specifically a secure holding of the electrical contacts.
- the fixing device may simply be a bore, for example. Alternatively thereto it can also be, for example, a latching device.
- the region that extends out of the corresponding contact element can particularly be a connecting region that connects a first positioning element to a second positioning element.
- the inventive solution further includes specifying a method for connecting at least two contact elements to a plug-connector module, wherein the method includes the following steps: providing the at least two contact elements that each feature at least one contact opening for receiving an electrical contact, and furthermore at least one first positioning opening; arranging of the at least two contact elements adjacent to one another such that the positioning openings are aligned flush to one another; and inserting of at least one positioning element through the positioning openings of the contact elements so that the contact elements are connected to one another using the positioning element, wherein the contact elements feature at least two first engagement devices, and the positioning element features at least two complementarily configured second engagement devices that come into engagement with the first engagement devices.
- plug-connector module that is obtained using the method for connecting at least two contact elements to a plug-connector module can be one of the above-described plug-connector modules. Accordingly all of the above-described aspects and advantages also apply for the method. The advantages resulting therefrom have already been discussed with respect to the device and are therefore not repeated at this point.
- FIG. 1 provides a schematic depiction of the positioning of a plurality of contact elements in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure
- FIG. 2 provides a schematic depiction of a positioning element in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure
- FIG. 3 provides a plan view of a plug-connector module in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure.
- FIG. 4 provides a schematic depiction of a clasp device formed from two positioning elements in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure.
- FIG. 1 provides a schematic depiction of a positioning of a plurality of contact elements 110 a , 110 b , 110 c .
- the contact elements 110 a , 110 b , 110 c are configured at least substantially as square-shaped and include four outer surfaces C, D, E, F, and two smaller side surfaces A, B.
- a first contact element 110 c is depicted with continuous lines, and a second contact element 110 b and a third contact element 110 a are depicted as dashed lines.
- the contact elements 110 a , 110 b , 110 c are configured as identically sized. This means that the length of the contact elements 110 a , 110 b , 110 c corresponds in the main extension direction to a unit length L.
- the contact element 110 c On a front side, the outer surface C, the contact element 110 c includes six contact openings 111 , wherein only one of the contact openings is provided with the reference number 111 .
- the other contact elements 110 b and 110 a also include contact openings 111 on the corresponding side.
- the contact openings 111 serve to receive an electrical contact, for example, from a plug.
- the contact elements 110 a , 110 b , and 110 c are positioned one-behind-the-other, wherein they can be connected to one another using the positioning element 120 depicted in FIG. 2 .
- the contact element 110 c includes two positioning openings 112 a and 112 b on the side surface A.
- the positioning openings 112 a and 112 b extend through the entire contact element 110 b from the side surface A up to the side surface B.
- the openings of the positioning openings 112 a and 112 b are visible on the side surface as clearly depicted in FIG. 1 . Since the contact elements 110 b and 110 a , even if this is not visible in FIG. 1 , feature corresponding positioning openings that are aligned flush with the positioning opening 112 a or 112 b , it is possible to push the positioning element 120 through the positioning openings 112 a , 112 b into the contact elements 110 a , 110 b , and 110 c and to connect the contact elements 110 a , 110 b , 110 c.
- the positioning openings 112 a and 112 b are configured at least substantially as slot-shaped.
- the openings are configured as elongated and extend parallel to an edge 113 that connects the side surface A to the outer surface D.
- the contact element 110 a features a first engagement device 114 c on the outer surface D. Accordingly the contact elements 110 b and 110 a also feature first engagement devices 114 b and 114 a .
- the first engagement devices 114 a , 114 b , and 114 c are latching openings. Alternatively, it would of course also be conceivable that the first engagement devices 114 a , 114 b , and 114 c are configured as latching lugs.
- the positioning element 120 depicted in FIG. 2 includes a plurality of second engagement devices 121 a , 121 b , and 121 c .
- the second engagement devices 121 a , 121 b , and 121 c depicted are latching lugs by way of example. It would of course also be conceivable here that the second engagement devices 121 a , 121 b , and 121 c are instead configured as latching openings. In this context it is only important that the second engagement devices 121 a , 121 b , and 121 c are configured complementary to the first engagement devices 114 a , 114 b , and 114 c.
- the positioning element 120 is configured at least substantially as plate-shaped.
- the second engagement devices 121 a , 121 b , and 121 c are spaced from one another at a constant spacing. As can be seen in FIG. 2 , this spacing corresponds to the unit length L.
- the positioning element 120 of FIG. 2 can be pushed into the positioning opening 112 a or the positioning opening 112 b.
- the second engagement devices 121 a , 121 b , and 121 c come into engagement successively with the first engagement devices 114 a , 114 b , and 114 c .
- the engagement devices are configured with respect to one another such that the positioning element 120 can be pushed farther in the insertion direction through the contact elements 110 a , 110 b , and 110 c .
- the contact of the second engagement device 121 a releases from the first engagement device 114 a , and the second engagement device 121 a comes into contact with the first engagement device 114 b , and the second engagement device 121 b comes into contact with the first engagement device 114 a . Accordingly with further inserting of the positioning element 120 these contacts release, wherein then the second engagement device 121 a comes into contact with the first engagement device 114 c , the second engagement device 121 b comes into contact with the first engagement device 114 b , and the second engagement device 121 c comes into contact with the first engagement device 114 a.
- the second engagement devices 121 a , 121 b , and 121 c are aligned toward the outer surface F of the contact elements 110 a , 110 b , and 110 c .
- the first engagement devices disposed on the outer surface F are not depicted in FIG. 1 .
- FIG. 3 An exemplary plug-connector module 100 is depicted in FIG. 3 . More specifically, FIG. 3 shows a plan view of the plug-connector module 100 .
- the contact element 110 b and the contact element 110 c in FIG. 3 are configured longer than in FIG. 1 , the reference numbers have been retained in order to keep the description as simple as possible.
- contact elements 110 a , 110 b , 110 c , and 110 d having different lengths can be connected to one another.
- the lengths of the contact elements 110 a , 110 b , 110 c , and 110 d correspond to the unit length L or an integer multiple of the unit length L.
- the contact elements 110 a and 110 d depicted in FIG. 3 are formed as long as the unit length L. In contrast, the contact elements 110 b and 110 c are formed twice as long as the unit length L.
- the contact element 110 c also includes two first engagement devices that for the sake of clarity are not depicted in FIG. 3 .
- FIG. 4 shows a schematic depiction of clasp device 130 .
- the clasp device 130 is formed from two positioning elements 120 a and 120 b .
- the two positioning elements 120 a and 120 b are connected via a connecting region 122 .
- the connecting region 122 spaces the positioning elements 120 a and 120 b from each other such that they can be pushed into the associated positioning openings 112 a and 112 b .
- the second engagement devices 121 a , 121 b , and 121 c configured as latching lugs point outward so that they can come into contact with the complementary first engagement devices 114 a , 114 b , and 114 c .
- the positioning elements 120 a and 120 b are in particular aligned and disposed parallel to each other.
- the advantage of the clasp device 130 shown in FIG. 4 is evident. Since the positioning elements 120 a and 120 b are connected to each other, they can be pushed together, i.e., in a single installation step, into the positioning openings 112 a and 112 b . The installation is thereby simplified.
- a fixing device 123 is disposed at the connecting region 122 .
- the fixing device 123 can be used, for example, for fixing a plug that carries the electrical contacts that are inserted into the contact openings 111 .
- the clasp device 130 thus performs an additional second function, and specifically a secure holding of the electrical contacts.
- the fixing device 123 can be, as depicted, a bore.
- the phrase at least one of A, B, and C should be construed to mean a logical (A OR B OR C), using a non-exclusive logical OR, and should not be construed to mean “at least one of A, at least one of B, and at least one of C.”
Abstract
Description
- This application claims priority to and the benefit of DE 10 2020 111 079.0, filed on Apr. 23, 2020. The disclosure of the above application is incorporated herein by reference.
- The present disclosure relates to a plug connector module for electrical contacts in the vehicle sector. The present disclosure further relates to a method for connecting at least two contact elements to a plug connector module.
- The statements in this section merely provide background information related to the present disclosure and may not constitute prior art.
- Plug connectors are usually used in the vehicle sector for separating and connecting electrical lines. In this regard the plug connectors have contact openings for the receiving of electrical contacts of the electrical lines. A plurality of plug connectors are typically needed in vehicles, so it is common to use modular plug connectors. In this regard modular plug connectors feature a plurality of contact inserts or contact elements having contact openings for receiving electrical contacts that are usually disposed with respect to one another using retaining frames or housings.
- For example, a retaining frame for retaining plug connector modules is known from DE 10 2015 222 561 A1, wherein the plug connector modules are usable in the retainer frame. Here plug-module retaining devices on the plug-connector modules interact with retaining frame devices provided on opposing side parts of the retaining frame.
- A disadvantage of such modular concepts including retaining frames or housings is that a suitable recess must be provided for the contact inserts. This means that it must be specified in advance how many contact inserts are to be used in the retaining frames or the housing. An arbitrary positioning of the contact inserts is therefore not possible. This also means that for representing an arbitrary combination of contact inserts, an indefinite number of different housings or retaining frames is required.
- Thus it is desirable to implement modular concepts without retaining frames or housings. In this regard the contact inserts are usually directly connected to one another. This means that the contact inserts feature connecting elements that are complementary to one another, such as, for example, grooves and springs, by which the contact inserts can be connected to one another. However, in such a design the mechanical stability is greatly impaired, in particular if a plurality of contact inserts are to be connected. In addition, the individual contact inserts must be manufactured in an expensive manner since they each must include at least two of the complementary connecting elements.
- With the known modular plug connectors or plug-connector modules there is thus a problem to the effect that they are not usable in a flexible enough manner and have only a low mechanical stability. Furthermore, they are often too expensive to manufacture.
- This section provides a general summary of the disclosure and is not a comprehensive disclosure of its full scope or all of its features.
- The present disclosure provides a plug-connector module, in particular for electrical contacts in the vehicle sector, that can be used in a flexible manner is characterized by high mechanical stability, and is simultaneously economical to manufacture.
- The present disclosure includes a plug-connector module for electrical contacts in the vehicle sector, wherein the plug-connector module features the following: at least two contact elements that each feature at least one contact opening for receiving an electrical contact, and each feature at least one first engagement device; and at least one positioning element for connecting the contact elements, wherein for this purpose the positioning element features at least two second engagement devices that are configured complementary to the first engagement devices, wherein each contact element features at least one positioning opening for pushing-through the at least one positioning element.
- Each contact element in one form features a plurality of contact openings for receiving electrical contacts. The electrical contacts are attached, for example, to a plug that can be plugged into the contact element.
- The positioning element in one form features a variety of second engagement devices. Furthermore, the plug-connector module features a variety of contact elements.
- The first and second engagement devices can be configured, for example, as latching devices. Here the second engagement devices can be configured as latching lugs, and the first engagement devices can be configured as latching openings, or vice versa.
- When connecting the contact elements, the positioning element is pushed in the insertion direction by the contact elements. For this purpose each contact element features the at least one positioning opening, through which the positioning element can be pushed. Adjacent contact elements are furthermore disposed adjacent to one another such that the positioning openings are aligned flush with one another.
- The positioning opening extends from a first side of the contact element to a second side of the contact element, wherein openings are created on the first side of the contact element and on the second side of the contact element. When viewed in the insertion direction, the cross-section of the positioning opening can remain constant through the contact element. It would also be conceivable that the cross-section of the positioning opening in a central region of the contact element differs from the cross-section at the openings. This can be the case, for example, if the contact element between the two openings is configured as hollow.
- When pushing the positioning elements through the contact openings of the contact elements, the second engagement device engages with the complementarily configured first engagement devices such that the position of the contact elements with respect to the positioning element can be fixed. Thus the position of the contact elements with respect to one another can also be fixed.
- The advantage of the present plug-connector module is that the contact elements can be easily fixed with respect to one another without having to use, for example, expensive frames or housings. In addition, with the use of frames and housings, the number and size of the contact elements to be used must be known in advance. The plug-connector modules thus cannot be used in a flexible manner. In contrast thereto, the inventive plug-connector module is not limited to a certain size. Rather, it is possible to arrange the required number of contact elements one-behind-the-other and to connect them using the positioning element. The only requirement is that the positioning element is long enough to connect the desired number of contact elements.
- If the positioning element is too long, the protruding region can be simply cut off. The positioning element can be, for example, a by-the-meter product that is cuttable to the required length and is correspondingly economical. Particularly, the positioning element can be manufactured from metal plate. Furthermore, the manufacturing costs of the plug-connector module are also low since the contact elements can be designed as relatively simple. These only require first engagement devices and at least one positioning opening. In comparison thereto, the contact elements known from the prior art that can be connected to one another are designed as significantly more complex, and therefore are more expensive to manufacture. In addition, the positioning element results in a high mechanical stability of the plug-connector module. This is due in particular to the fact that the positioning element is configured as a continuous element.
- In particular, the plug-connector module can be used in a flexible manner, has a high stability and is also economical to manufacture.
- According to one advantageous refinement of the present disclosure, the at least one positioning element features a variety of second engagement devices that are disposed at regular spacings to one another.
- That the second engagement devices are disposed at regular spacings to one another means that the spacing between two adjacent second engagement devices is always the same size.
- One advantageous embodiment provides that the spacing between two adjacent second engagement devices corresponds to a unit length, wherein each contact element features an extension length in the insertion direction of the positioning element that corresponds to the unit length or an integer multiple of the unit length.
- The simple unit length thus also corresponds to the minimum length of a contact element in the insertion direction of the positioning element. Since the spacing between two adjacent second engagement devices on the positioning element always corresponds exactly to the unit length, it is possible to use contact elements of different sizes, i.e., having different extension lengths. The only restriction here is that the extension length of each contact element must always be an integer multiple of the unit length.
- Overall, the introducing of the unit length thus makes it possible to use differently sized contact elements, so that the use of the plug-connector module is even more flexible.
- A particularly advantageous design of the present disclosure provides that the positioning opening is configured as slot-shaped and the at least one positioning element is configured at least substantially as plate-shaped.
- Due to the slot-shaped design of the positioning opening and the correspondingly at least substantially plate-shaped design of the positioning element, a particularly high mechanical stability is achieved. In particular, a particularly large contact region is achieved between contact element and positioning element. With positioning openings configured as slot-shaped, elongated openings are created on the first side and the second side of the contact element. Here the openings are particularly preferably formed substantially from a first edge of the first or second side to an opposing second edge of the first side or second side. Furthermore, the elongated openings are particularly configured as parallel to a third edge that connects the first edge to the second edge.
- According to one advantageous form, the contact elements are configured at least substantially as square-shaped and include four outer surfaces and two side surfaces, wherein openings of the positioning opening are formed on the side surfaces, wherein the at least one contact opening is formed on a first outer surface, and wherein the at least one first engagement device is formed on a second outer surface.
- The two side surfaces of the square are the two surfaces of the side that have been referred to up to now as the first and second sides. Particularly the second outer surface, on which the at least one first engagement device is formed, is disposed adjacent to the first outer surface on which the at least one contact opening is formed.
- Overall, a simple and compact design of the contact elements results, so that they are economical to manufacture. Square-shaped contact elements are also particularly well suited to be positioned against one another. Alternatively thereto it would also be conceivable that the shortest contact element, i.e., the contact element having an extension length that corresponds to the unit length, is configured as a cube. Then only the larger contact elements would be configured as square-shaped.
- According to one advantageous refinement of this form, the opening of the positioning opening is respectively disposed near an edge to the second outer surface and extends parallel to the corresponding edge.
- Here the edge corresponds to the edge previously referred to as a third edge. A particularly high stability is thereby achieved. The positioning element can thus be guided very closely against the surface having the second latching devices. In addition, a positioning element disposed on the edge of the contact element does not claim any functional installation space that is used for the receiving of the electrical contact.
- In one form, the plug-connector module includes two positioning elements, and each contact element includes a positioning opening for each positioning element.
- With two positioning elements, the stability of the plug-connector module is further increased. The positioning elements can be configured as identical to one another, so that identical parts can be used here. As already mentioned, in particular the use of a by-the-meter product is possible. The two positioning elements extend parallel to each other through the contact elements. The two positioning openings are particularly disposed near two opposing edges of the side surfaces of the contact element.
- A more expedient design provides that the two positioning elements are already connected to each other prior to the inserting into the contact elements.
- The positioning elements thus form a unit. In particular, the positioning elements are configured as a clasp device. The positioning elements can then both be inserted into the contact elements simultaneously in one installation step. The two positioning elements extend parallel to each other. Accordingly the contact elements include first engagement devices on two opposing sides or surfaces. Overall, a high stability and a simple installation are thereby combined.
- According to one advantageous form of the present disclosure, at least one positioning element extends out of the first and/or the last contact element and includes a fixing device for fixing a plug.
- The front or rear contact element of the mutually positioned contact elements of the plug-connector module is referred to as the first or last contact element, respectively. The fixing device for fixing the plug is disposed at the region that extends out of the corresponding contact element. The plug is generally the carrier of the electrical contacts that are to be received in the contact openings. The positioning element thus fulfills an additional second function, and specifically a secure holding of the electrical contacts. The fixing device may simply be a bore, for example. Alternatively thereto it can also be, for example, a latching device.
- The region that extends out of the corresponding contact element can particularly be a connecting region that connects a first positioning element to a second positioning element. Thus the advantages that arise from the design of the positioning elements as a clasp device and the design with a fixing device can be combined.
- The inventive solution further includes specifying a method for connecting at least two contact elements to a plug-connector module, wherein the method includes the following steps: providing the at least two contact elements that each feature at least one contact opening for receiving an electrical contact, and furthermore at least one first positioning opening; arranging of the at least two contact elements adjacent to one another such that the positioning openings are aligned flush to one another; and inserting of at least one positioning element through the positioning openings of the contact elements so that the contact elements are connected to one another using the positioning element, wherein the contact elements feature at least two first engagement devices, and the positioning element features at least two complementarily configured second engagement devices that come into engagement with the first engagement devices.
- All aspects that have already been discussed with respect to the plug-connector module apply here as well. In particular, the plug-connector module that is obtained using the method for connecting at least two contact elements to a plug-connector module can be one of the above-described plug-connector modules. Accordingly all of the above-described aspects and advantages also apply for the method. The advantages resulting therefrom have already been discussed with respect to the device and are therefore not repeated at this point.
- The present disclosure is explained in greater detail below based on the description of exemplary forms with reference to the accompanying drawings. Here further advantageous forms and feature combinations of the present disclosure arise from the following description and the entirety of the patent claims.
- Further areas of applicability will become apparent from the description provided herein. It should be understood that the description and specific examples are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.
- In order that the disclosure may be well understood, there will now be described various forms thereof, given by way of example, reference being made to the accompanying drawings, in which:
-
FIG. 1 provides a schematic depiction of the positioning of a plurality of contact elements in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure; -
FIG. 2 provides a schematic depiction of a positioning element in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure; -
FIG. 3 provides a plan view of a plug-connector module in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure; and -
FIG. 4 provides a schematic depiction of a clasp device formed from two positioning elements in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure. - The drawings described herein are for illustration purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure in any way.
- The following description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the present disclosure, application, or uses. It should be understood that throughout the drawings, corresponding reference numerals indicate like or corresponding parts and features.
- All specifications of directions in the description are understood from the viewpoint of an observer who is in front of the plug-connector module looking toward the contact openings, i.e., as in plan view in
FIG. 3 . -
FIG. 1 provides a schematic depiction of a positioning of a plurality ofcontact elements contact elements - A
first contact element 110 c is depicted with continuous lines, and asecond contact element 110 b and athird contact element 110 a are depicted as dashed lines. For the sake of simplicity thecontact elements contact elements - On a front side, the outer surface C, the
contact element 110 c includes sixcontact openings 111, wherein only one of the contact openings is provided with thereference number 111. Theother contact elements contact openings 111 on the corresponding side. Thecontact openings 111 serve to receive an electrical contact, for example, from a plug. - The
contact elements positioning element 120 depicted inFIG. 2 . For this purpose thecontact element 110 c includes two positioningopenings openings entire contact element 110 b from the side surface A up to the side surface B. - The openings of the
positioning openings FIG. 1 . Since thecontact elements FIG. 1 , feature corresponding positioning openings that are aligned flush with the positioning opening 112 a or 112 b, it is possible to push thepositioning element 120 through thepositioning openings contact elements contact elements - The positioning
openings edge 113 that connects the side surface A to the outer surface D. The same applies to the edge that connects the side surface A to the outer surface F, which, however, is not provided with a reference number. - The
contact element 110 a features afirst engagement device 114 c on the outer surface D. Accordingly thecontact elements first engagement devices FIG. 1 , thefirst engagement devices first engagement devices - The
positioning element 120 depicted inFIG. 2 includes a plurality ofsecond engagement devices second engagement devices second engagement devices second engagement devices first engagement devices - The
positioning element 120 is configured at least substantially as plate-shaped. Thesecond engagement devices FIG. 2 , this spacing corresponds to the unit length L. - When viewing
FIG. 1 andFIG. 2 together it is evident that thepositioning element 120 ofFIG. 2 can be pushed into the positioning opening 112 a or thepositioning opening 112 b. - Here the
second engagement devices first engagement devices positioning element 120 can be pushed farther in the insertion direction through thecontact elements contact elements positioning element 120 into the positioning opening of thecontact element 110 a, thesecond engagement device 121 a first comes into contact with thefirst engagement device 114 a. With further inserting of thepositioning element 120 a, the contact of thesecond engagement device 121 a releases from thefirst engagement device 114 a, and thesecond engagement device 121 a comes into contact with thefirst engagement device 114 b, and thesecond engagement device 121 b comes into contact with thefirst engagement device 114 a. Accordingly with further inserting of thepositioning element 120 these contacts release, wherein then thesecond engagement device 121 a comes into contact with thefirst engagement device 114 c, thesecond engagement device 121 b comes into contact with thefirst engagement device 114 b, and thesecond engagement device 121 c comes into contact with thefirst engagement device 114 a. - The same also applies for the
positioning opening 112 b, wherein then thesecond engagement devices contact elements FIG. 1 . - Of course, in both cases it is also possible first to push the
positioning element 120 into thepositioning openings contact element 110 a and from there farther into theother contact elements contact elements - An exemplary plug-
connector module 100 is depicted inFIG. 3 . More specifically,FIG. 3 shows a plan view of the plug-connector module 100. Although thecontact element 110 b and thecontact element 110 c inFIG. 3 are configured longer than inFIG. 1 , the reference numbers have been retained in order to keep the description as simple as possible. One of the significant advantages of the present disclosure is visible here. Thus, contactelements contact elements contact elements FIG. 3 , thecontact elements contact elements - Since the
second engagement devices positioning elements second engagement device 121 a comes into engagement with thecontact element 110 d, and twosecond engagement devices contact element 110 c. Accordingly thecontact element 110 c also includes two first engagement devices that for the sake of clarity are not depicted inFIG. 3 . -
FIG. 4 shows a schematic depiction ofclasp device 130. Theclasp device 130 is formed from twopositioning elements positioning elements region 122. The connectingregion 122 spaces thepositioning elements positioning openings second engagement devices first engagement devices positioning elements clasp device 130 shown inFIG. 4 is evident. Since thepositioning elements positioning openings - A fixing
device 123 is disposed at the connectingregion 122. The fixingdevice 123 can be used, for example, for fixing a plug that carries the electrical contacts that are inserted into thecontact openings 111. Theclasp device 130 thus performs an additional second function, and specifically a secure holding of the electrical contacts. Merely by way of example, the fixingdevice 123 can be, as depicted, a bore. - Unless otherwise expressly indicated herein, all numerical values indicating mechanical/thermal properties, compositional percentages, dimensions and/or tolerances, or other characteristics are to be understood as modified by the word “about” or “approximately” in describing the scope of the present disclosure. This modification is desired for various reasons including industrial practice, material, manufacturing, and assembly tolerances, and testing capability.
- As used herein, the phrase at least one of A, B, and C should be construed to mean a logical (A OR B OR C), using a non-exclusive logical OR, and should not be construed to mean “at least one of A, at least one of B, and at least one of C.”
- The description of the disclosure is merely exemplary in nature and, thus, variations that do not depart from the substance of the disclosure are intended to be within the scope of the disclosure. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the spirit and scope of the disclosure.
Claims (10)
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
DE102020111079.0A DE102020111079B3 (en) | 2020-04-23 | 2020-04-23 | CONNECTOR MODULE FOR ELECTRICAL CONTACTS IN THE VEHICLE AREA AND PROCESS FOR CONNECTING AT LEAST TWO CONTACT ELEMENTS TO A CONNECTOR MODULE |
DE102020111079.0 | 2020-04-23 |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20210336373A1 true US20210336373A1 (en) | 2021-10-28 |
US11437754B2 US11437754B2 (en) | 2022-09-06 |
Family
ID=75625451
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US17/235,961 Active 2041-05-07 US11437754B2 (en) | 2020-04-23 | 2021-04-21 | Plug connector module for electrical contacts in the vehicle sector and method for connecting at least two contact elements to a plug connector module |
Country Status (4)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US11437754B2 (en) |
EP (1) | EP3902068A1 (en) |
CN (1) | CN113555721A (en) |
DE (1) | DE102020111079B3 (en) |
Citations (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US10389060B2 (en) * | 2015-10-27 | 2019-08-20 | Phoenix Contact Gmbh & Co. Kg | Assembly of a plug connector part comprising a holder frame for receiving modular contact inserts |
Family Cites Families (6)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
JP2005183297A (en) | 2003-12-22 | 2005-07-07 | Sumitomo Wiring Syst Ltd | Connector |
JP4956323B2 (en) | 2007-08-10 | 2012-06-20 | 古河電気工業株式会社 | Multipolar connector and method of assembling the same |
JP6599151B2 (en) * | 2015-07-23 | 2019-10-30 | 矢崎総業株式会社 | Backlash structure of multilayer connector |
DE102015222561B4 (en) | 2015-11-16 | 2018-05-30 | Harting Electric Gmbh & Co. Kg | Holding frame for holding connector modules |
DE102017119287B4 (en) | 2017-08-23 | 2019-08-08 | HARTING Electronics GmbH | Modular connector for printed circuit boards |
DE102019126469B4 (en) * | 2019-10-01 | 2021-08-05 | Lisa Dräxlmaier GmbH | CONNECTORS FOR THE MODULAR ARRANGEMENT OF CONTACT INSERTS AND THE USE AND METHOD OF MANUFACTURING |
-
2020
- 2020-04-23 DE DE102020111079.0A patent/DE102020111079B3/en active Active
-
2021
- 2021-04-21 CN CN202110430355.4A patent/CN113555721A/en active Pending
- 2021-04-21 US US17/235,961 patent/US11437754B2/en active Active
- 2021-04-21 EP EP21169589.5A patent/EP3902068A1/en not_active Withdrawn
Patent Citations (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US10389060B2 (en) * | 2015-10-27 | 2019-08-20 | Phoenix Contact Gmbh & Co. Kg | Assembly of a plug connector part comprising a holder frame for receiving modular contact inserts |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
US11437754B2 (en) | 2022-09-06 |
CN113555721A (en) | 2021-10-26 |
EP3902068A1 (en) | 2021-10-27 |
DE102020111079B3 (en) | 2021-09-30 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
US9812798B2 (en) | Electrical connector with heat dissipating path | |
US8992259B2 (en) | Connector having noise removal capability | |
US8197282B1 (en) | Small form-factor pluggable (SFP) connector structure and assembly thereof | |
US8574015B2 (en) | Electrical connector | |
US20150029667A1 (en) | Receptacle assembly for receiving a pluggable module | |
US20040043660A1 (en) | Multi-sequenced contacts from single lead frame | |
US8702445B2 (en) | Electrical connector | |
US9742133B1 (en) | Power connector having a housing with a T-shaped tongue and each terminal with parallel and separated contact portions | |
KR102257639B1 (en) | Plug connector contact carrier | |
EP3384564B1 (en) | Disposable electrical connector having a printed circuit board | |
WO2008112089A2 (en) | Stacking mezzanine connector | |
CN108574176B (en) | Electrical connector | |
US20050106942A1 (en) | Access module | |
CN112993659B (en) | interface connector | |
CN106257756B (en) | Electric connector with sheet shaped piece sub-component | |
US20100029137A1 (en) | Connection unit and mounting process for such a connection unit | |
US11437754B2 (en) | Plug connector module for electrical contacts in the vehicle sector and method for connecting at least two contact elements to a plug connector module | |
US8323059B1 (en) | Electrical connector assembly | |
US20100027264A1 (en) | Circuit board assembly with light emitting element | |
CN101320860A (en) | Connector | |
JP2006269107A (en) | Connector | |
US10297934B2 (en) | Expandable blade-type distribution block | |
US6902441B2 (en) | Modular layered stackable connector system | |
US10483671B2 (en) | Electrical plug-in connector, printed circuit board and method for producing an electrical plug-in connector | |
US20170365957A1 (en) | Electric Connector With Mounting Surface |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: LISA DRAEXLMAIER GMBH, GERMANY Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:EGENHOFER, ULRICH;REEL/FRAME:055983/0716 Effective date: 20210303 |
|
FEPP | Fee payment procedure |
Free format text: ENTITY STATUS SET TO UNDISCOUNTED (ORIGINAL EVENT CODE: BIG.); ENTITY STATUS OF PATENT OWNER: LARGE ENTITY |
|
STPP | Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general |
Free format text: DOCKETED NEW CASE - READY FOR EXAMINATION |
|
STPP | Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general |
Free format text: NOTICE OF ALLOWANCE MAILED -- APPLICATION RECEIVED IN OFFICE OF PUBLICATIONS |
|
STPP | Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general |
Free format text: PUBLICATIONS -- ISSUE FEE PAYMENT VERIFIED |
|
STCF | Information on status: patent grant |
Free format text: PATENTED CASE |